| James Kon |
MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Brunei Darussalam are expected to receive the much-needed boost at the Asean Expo 2018 where they can scout for potential foreign partners to venture into overseas market.
Scheduled to take place from September 26-30 at Bridex International Conference Centre in Jerudong, the mega expo will attract more than 1,000 delegates and exhibitors from across the world.
This is the second time Brunei is hosting the Asean Expo which was first held successfully in the Sultanate in 2013.
Details of the expo were revealed yesterday by represe-ntatives of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Bandar Seri Begawan (CCC BSB) and other organisers in a press conference held at the CCC BSB building.
The CCC BSB will be hosting the Asean Expo 2018 with the theme ‘towards Building a Sustainable Trade Community’.
Cityneon Displays and Const-ruction Sdn Bhd will be handling the event management of the expo in association with SHJ consultant.
“The event is also supported by the Energy and Industry Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism,” Malcolm Lim, President of the CCC BSB said.
“The expo is not only targeting exhibitors from Asean member countries. We have also invited exhibitors from Turkey, Russia, China, Japan, Korea, India, Taiwan, Australia and Middle East countries to participate,” he added. He also explained that the main objective of the expo is to provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to not only showcase their products but also forge new business partnerships with foreign exhibitors who are participating in the expo – through business matching.
The expo will also serve as a platform for local MSMEs to explore and develop trade opportunities in Asia, Europe, US and the Middle East through exhibiting and promoting their commercial products like Halal foods, agriculture products, machinery, industrial items as well as building materials and ICT products, Malcolm Lim said.
In terms of tourism, the expo will be a platform for tourism firms from the participating countries to promote their places of interest and cultural and traditional uniqueness, he added.
More than 450 booths will be allocated for local enterprises and foreign companies.
“With the expected high turnout, the event will also help boost the local tourism industry through increasing hotel occupancies and enhancing business at restaurants, souvenir shops, retail shops and in the transportation sector. This will help create more jobs for locals, especially in the exhibition and advertising industries,” the President of the CCC BSB noted.
Besides the exhibition and business matching, the event will also host a Business Forum involving renowned business speakers who will discuss current business issues and best practices.
Meanwhile, Dato Jack Ting, Managing Director of Cityneon Brunei, revealed that the Asean Expo 2013, which was held in Brunei, was a big success and attracted more than 50,000 visitors.
Local SMEs and MSMEs that are interested to join the expo may contact the Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB and Cityneon Brunei or visit www.aseanexpo.com.bn.